Method and system for initiating and handling an emergency call utilizing geographical zones

ABSTRACT

A method and system of making an emergency voice call is disclosed. Location data is received from a positioning device. A location area identifier is determined. The location area identifier corresponds to a geographical area encompassing a geographical location being represented by the location data. A voice call destination number is identified. The voice call destination number is associated with the location area identifier. The voice call destination number is utilized in order to communicate with a public safety answering point.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 11/105,931, filed Apr. 13, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,286,929.This application is also a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/158,720, filed Jun. 21, 2005. This applicationis also a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/158,667, filed Jun. 21, 2005 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,317,927. Thisapplication is also related to U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/158,667, filed Jun. 21, 2005. This application is also related toU.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/158,720, filed Jun. 21, 2005. Thedisclosures of all previously referenced applications are herebyincorporated by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Disclosure

The present disclosure relates to telecommunication systems. Inparticular, it relates to telecommunications systems to initiate andhandle emergency calls such as 911 calls.

2. General Background

Emergency calls to emergency service, such as 9-1-1, are increasinglyoriginated from portable wireless devices such as cellular telephones.Establishing the responsible public safety answering point (PSAP) foreach emergency call is crucial. Because of the natural mobility ofcellular phones, establishing the responsible public safety answeringpoint to handle the call has become increasingly difficult. In additionproviding for accurate updates of the location of the portable wirelessdevice to the public safety answering point is also critical.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, there is a method of making an emergency voice call. Alocation area identifier that represents a geographical area in whichthe portable computing device is located is determined. A coverage areaidentifier that matches the location area identifier can be furtherdetermined. The coverage area identifier represents an emergency servicearea being serviced by a public safety answering point. A voice calldestination number associated with the coverage area identifier isidentified. The voice call destination number is utilized in order tocommunicate with the public safety answering point.

The location area can be a pixilated image. In addition, thegeographical area can be an irregular area. The emergency service areacan also be an irregular area.

In a further aspect of the method, the voice call destination number canbe a telephone number of the public safety answering point or anInternet protocol address of the public safety answering point.

Furthermore, the coverage area identifier and the location areaidentifier are correlated in a lookup table. The lookup table can residein the portable computing device or a remote server. Moreover, thecoverage area identifier and the voice call destination number arecorrelated in a lookup table. The lookup table can reside in theportable computing device or a remote server. The method can furthercomprise receiving an emergency call input from a user to initiate theemergency voice call. Alternatively, the emergency voice call can beautomatically initiated if a preconfigured event occurs.

Furthermore, personal data associated with a user of the portablecomputing device can also be transmitted to the public safety answeringpoint. Personal data includes a medical condition, contact informationof a relative, or blood type of the user.

Other aspects of the method can also exist. For example, the emergencyvoice call can be transmitted to the public safety answering pointthrough a cellular network, a public switched network, or an Internetprotocol network. In another example, the location data can betransmitted through a data link or a voice link. In yet another example,the portable computing device is a personal data assistant, a cellulartelephone, a smart phone, or a laptop computer. In addition, locationdata can be transmitted to a communication data interface module at thepublic safety answering point.

In one aspect, there is a method of making an emergency voice call froma portable computing device. Location data is received from apositioning device. A location area identifier is determined. Thelocation area identifier corresponds to a geographical area encompassinga geographical location being represented by the location data. A voicecall destination number is identified. The voice call destination numberis associated with the location area identifier. The voice calldestination number is utilized in order to communicate with a publicsafety answering point.

In another aspect, there is a portable computing device to make anemergency voice call. The portable computing device comprises apositioning device receives location data, a processor, and a dialingmodule. The processor determines a location area identifiercorresponding to a geographical area encompassing a geographicallocation being represented by the location data. The processor can beconfigured to identify a voice call destination number associated withthe location area identifier. The dialing module utilizes the voice calldestination number in order to establish communication with a publicsafety answering point.

In another aspect, there is a method of making a voice call form aportable computing device. A location area identifier that represents ageographical area in which the portable computing device is located isdetermined. A coverage area identifier that matches the location areaidentifier can also be determined. The coverage area identifierrepresents a service area being serviced by a call center. A voice calldestination number associated with the coverage area identifier can befurther determined. The voice call destination number can be utilized inorder to communicate with the call center.

DRAWINGS

By way of example, reference will now be made to the accompanyingdrawings.

FIG. 1 illustrates a system for communication between a portablecomputing device and a control center.

FIG. 2 illustrates a component diagram of a portable computing deviceconfigured to determine the appropriate destination number of a controlcenter.

FIG. 3 illustrates a system for communication between a portablecomputing device and a control public safety answering point.

FIG. 4 illustrates a component diagram of a portable computing deviceconfigured to determine the appropriate destination number of a publicsafety answering point.

FIG. 5A illustrates a system for communication between a portablecomputing device and a control public safety answering point, whereinthe portable computing device acquires a public safety answering pointemergency number from a network server.

FIG. 5B illustrates a system for communication between a portablecomputing device and a public safety answering point, wherein one ormore public safety answering points communicate with a centralizedcommunication data interface module.

FIG. 6 illustrates cellular base stations pre-assigned to specificpublic safety answering points.

FIG. 7 illustrates a table of cellular base station identifiers andcorresponding public safety answering point identifiers.

FIG. 8 illustrates a data flow diagram for a process of determining theappropriate public safety answering point in an emergency call.

FIG. 9 illustrates geographical area assigned to specific public safetyanswering points.

FIGS. 10A-10B illustrate a pixilated image representing a geographicalzone assigned to the public safety answering point.

FIG. 11 illustrates a data flow diagram for a process of determining,based on pre-configured geographical areas, the appropriate publicsafety answering point in an emergency call.

FIG. 12 illustrates a screenshot of a user interface for dialing to apublic safety answering point.

FIG. 13 illustrates a screenshot of a user interface for enteringcommunication data.

FIG. 14 illustrates a screenshot of a user interface for customizinguser information to be reported to the public safety answering point.

FIG. 15 illustrates a flow diagram for a process of performing anemergency call to a public safety answering point.

FIG. 16 illustrates a flow diagram for a process of updating locationdata.

FIG. 17 illustrates a flow diagram for a process of receiving anemergency call at a public safety answering point.

FIGS. 18A-18C illustrate data packet and voice transmissions during anemergency call at a public safety answering point.

FIG. 19 illustrates an exemplary mapping of DTMF tones to ranges ofmovement in latitude or longitude.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present system and method permits a portable computing device tomake an emergency call to an emergency center directly (e.g. directlydialing the telephone number of the responsible emergency center)independent of movement of the portable computing device. Therefore,routing mechanisms and infrastructure are bypassed and circumvented soas to establish an emergency call faster and more efficiently. Thepresent system and method also permits a portable computing device toupdate a call center, such as an emergency call center, of the locationchange of the portable computing device. In one embodiment, the updatescan be performed utilizing dual-tone multi-frequency (DTMF) tones.

The system and method disclosed herein provides a portable computingdevice configured to directly contact the public safety answering pointthat is responsible to handle the call by the portable computing device.The public safety answering point responsible to handle the call isidentified by the portable computing device by performing a search in adatabase stored in the portable computing device. In another embodiment,the portable computing device requests a server to provide the publicsafety answering point responsible to handle an emergency call by thecomputing device.

The portable computing device can determine the responsible publicsafety answering point by utilizing various searching methods andalgorithms. In one embodiment, a lookup table having data pairs (e.g.,cellular base station, public safety answering point identifier)indicative of the call receiving points for which each public safetyanswering point is responsible can be utilized. Examples of callreceiving points are cellular base station or WiFi antennas. The callreceiving point through which the call is to be made is determined. Thecall receiving point identifier is searched in the lookup table, and thecorresponding public safety answering point is established as theresponsible public safety answering point.

In another embodiment, the portable computing device includes apositioning device, such as a ground positioning system (GPS) receiverthat obtains the location of the portable computing device. Geographicalzones marked by irregular boundaries can also be stored in the computingdevice. The public safety answering point responsible for the zone inwhich the device is located is established as the responsible publicsafety answering point. The computing device can then establish ageographical zone in which the portable computing device is located.Furthermore, the computing device can identify the public safetyanswering point assigned to serve the geographical zone in which theportable computing device is located.

In addition, as the portable computing device, new location informationcan be updated by transmitting DTMF tones from the wireless device tothe public safety answering point. A combination of DTMF tones can beutilized to transmit a latitude and longitude position change. The DTMFtones can be transmitted over an Internet Protocol (IP) network, acellular network, or any other communications network.

As such, a voice call from a portable computing device can includeoriginator location data such that at the receiving site, the calleridentifier ANI (automatic number identification), and physical locationof the caller. This information can be made available to a public safetyanswering point operator in real time during the voice call. Inaddition, correct location information can be provided to the publicsafety answering point operator in compliance with current U.S. FederalCommunications Commission guidelines for 911 location identification.

FIG. 1 illustrates a system for communication between a portablecomputing device and a control center. A portable computing device 110can communicate wirelessly through multiple communications networks. Inone example, the portable computing device 110 can communicate through avoice network 104 with a response console 108. The response console 108permits an operator to handle an incoming call from the portablecomputing device 110. The operator can utilize a voice interface 116 tointeract and carry a voice conversation with the user of the portablecomputing device 110. In one example, the voice network can be atelephone network. In another example, the voice network can be an IPnetwork.

In addition, the portable computing device 110 can communicate with adata network 106 to transmit data (e.g. data packets) to the call center114. The data received by a communication data interface module 112which processes information and can relay the information to theresponse console 108 at the control center 114. In addition, thecommunication data interface module 112 can include logic to store dataincoming from the portable computing device 110 in the device database120. Information stored in the device database 120 comprises portablecomputing device location information, encoded information, etc. Theportable computing device 110 can acquire positioning data from apositioning satellite network 102. In one example, communication datainterface module 112 is a centralized server that communicates with oneor more response consoles at multiple control centers. Thus, theportable computing device 110 communicates with the communication datainterface module 112, which in turn communicates with the appropriateresponse console 108. In another example, the portable computing device110 can utilize the positioning data to determine which control center,of a selection of control centers, to call. In another example, theportable computing device 110 can utilize a table of cellular basestations correlated with a particular control center in order toestablish which control center to call.

The system illustrated in FIG. 1 can be applied to any system whereinthe portable computing device is a nomadic device that depending uponthe location of the portable computing device a new call center must beidentified. In one example, the call center can be a tourist informationcenter. As the portable computing device travels and changes itslocation (e.g., from one city to another), the relevant informationcenter may change. Based on a list of tourist information centers storedin the portable computing device and portable computing devicepositioning information, the portable computing device can identify theresponsible or appropriate information center to call. In anotherexample, the call center can be a pharmacy. As the portable computingdevice travels from one neighborhood to another, the most appropriatepharmacy to call can be identified by the portable computing device.

FIG. 2 illustrates a component diagram of a portable computing deviceconfigured to determine the appropriate destination number of a controlcenter as illustrated in FIG. 1. A positioning device 202, such as aground positioning system, can communicate with the satellite network102 to gather positioning information. Processor 208 coordinates andprocesses all data transmission requests, calculations, and anyoperations required by the modules and transceivers in the portablecomputing device 200.

The voice communication transceiver 204 can include a dialing functionor dialer module (not shown) that permits the portable computing device200 to make voice calls to the call center 108. The voice communicationtransceiver 204 permits the portable computing device 200 to communicatethrough the voice network 104. As such, the voice communicationtransceiver 204 is equipped with logic and protocol information toexchange digital and analog information with the voice network 104. Thedata communication transceiver 206 can also permit the portablecomputing device 200 to exchange data with the data network 106. Thedata exchanged can be analog or digital. Thus, for example, the data canbe in a packet switched protocol.

In one embodiment, the portable computing device 200 can further includeuser interface modules. In one example, an input module 210 and anoutput module 212 can be provided. Known interfaces for input and outputcan be provided to interact with the user.

Finally, the portable computing device 200 can also be provided with acall center database 214. The call center database 214 can include alisting of all call centers, calling information of the call centers,and correlated location of each of the call centers. In one example, thecall center database 214 includes call center numbers and assignedgeographical areas of service. In another example, the call centerdatabase 213 includes call center numbers and cellular base stationidentifiers. In yet another example, where the call centers are publicsafety answering points that answer emergency calls, the call centerdatabase 214 includes a list of numbers corresponding to all the publicsafety answering points, and the geographical zone being serviced byeach public safety answering point. Further, in another example, thecall center database 214 may include a public safety answering pointcalling information and related cellular base stations serviced.

FIG. 3 illustrates a system for communication between a portablecomputing device and a control public safety answering point. Theportable computing device 110 can be used by a user that needs to makean emergency call (e.g. 911 calls). As a user changes location within acity, a county, a state, or a country, the appropriate emergency callcenter, or public safety answering point, may also change.

The portable computing device 110 can be located at a remote locationfrom one or more public safety answering points. The portable computingdevice 110 is capable of making a voice call, transmitting data over adata link, and of determining the portable computing device 110 locationusing a location receiver. The portable computing device 110 can be anyone of a cellular telephone, a personal data assistant (PDA), a smartphone, a laptop, IP phone, etc.

In one embodiment, the portable computing device 110 is configured touse two channels of communication with the public safety answeringpoint. A voice channel can use a voice network to communicate with thepublic safety answering point. For example, the voice network can be acellular network 306. The second channel can be a data channel thatcommunicates through a data network, such as, for example, the Internet308.

In another embodiment, the portable computing device 110 is configuredto use one channel to communicate with the public safety answeringpoint. For example, the portable computing device 110 may communicatewith the public safety answering point 110 exclusively through theInternet 308. Therefore, the portable computing device 110 can utilize adata channel and a voice channel to communicate with the public safetyanswering point 310. Both channels can be implemented utilizing theInternet 308. In yet another embodiment, the portable computing device110 can establish a voice channel and a data channel through thecellular network 306.

The public safety answering point 310 can include a communication datainterface module 314 which is a software module on a computer server, orany other computing device. The communication data interface permits thepublic safety answering point 310 to communicate with the portablecomputing device 110 through the Internet 308. The communication datainterface module 314 can access, retrieve, store, and in general, managedata in the device location information (DLI) database 320. Therefore,the communication data interface module 314 includes logic to receivelocation position from the portable computing device 110. In addition,the communication data interface module 314 can also provide devicelocation information to an emergency response console 312. Further, thecommunication data interface module 314 may receive updated locationinformation or other user data, portable computing device 110 data, orother useful information from the emergency response console 312. Thecommunication data interface module 314 can then store such informationin the device location information database 320.

The device location information database 320 can reside in a disk fileor any other storage medium that is accessible to the communication datainterface module 314. In one embodiment, the device location informationdatabase 320 has one set of table entries for each portable computingdevice 110 transmitting data to the public safety answering point 310.The table entry may be created the first time the communication datainterface module 314 encounters a data packet sent by the portablecomputing device 110 or a location data query from the emergencyresponse console 312. A table entry can be uniquely identified by thecaller identifier (e.g., the phone number, IP address), and may containthe latest location data set and the latest supplementary data from theportable computing device 110. Other attributes can be updated when acall is received. For example, active call status can be set true whenthe communication data interface module 314 receives an active callmessage from the emergency response console 312. Active call status canbe set false when the communication data interface module 314 receives acall termination message from the emergency response console 312component. In one example, the device location information database 320is formatted according to Table 1.

TABLE 1 Data Data Item Description Units Data Type/Size Address mobiledevice caller identification (phone number) ASCII string (10 characters)Latitude position east(+)/west(−) of prime meridian Degrees float (5decimal places) Longitude position north(+)/south(−) of the equatorDegrees float (5 decimal places) Altitude position relative to sea level(above +, below −) meters signed integer SOG speed over groundmeters/sec unsigned integer COG course over ground current direction oftravel degrees unsigned integer GPS time time of last position inseconds since 1 Jan. 1970 sec unsigned long First Name wireless devicesupplementary data item ASCII string (variable) Last Name wirelessdevice supplementary data item ASCII string (variable) HIPAA 1 wirelessdevice supplementary data item number float (whole number) HIPAA 1wireless device supplementary data item number float (whole number) Textwireless device supplementary data item ASCII string (50 characters)Call Routing IP address of last requesting ERC ASCII string (variable)Port port number of last requesting ERC number unsigned long Call Activelogic state of call in progress true/false boolean (1 bit) Position Datalogic state of whether there is location data for this true/falseboolean (1 bit) Active device Additional Data logic state of whetherthere is supplementary data true/false boolean (1 bit) Active availablefor this device

The emergency response console 312 can be a software module residing ona standalone server, or an integrated server, and can communicate withthe communication interface module 314 in order to exchange update dataregarding active calls, etc. In another embodiment, the emergencyresponse console 312 is a computer application that resides at personalcomputer 318. The emergency repose console 312 can be configured tooperably communicate with a modem (not shown) at the personal computer318 in order to handle the incoming voice call. In another embodiment,the emergency response console 312 resides in a private branch exchange(PBX) (not shown) within the public safety answering point 310.

The emergency response console 312 can be configured to execute variousone or more operations. For example, the emergency response console 312can receive the voice calls from the portable computing device 110,extract caller identifier, extract portable computing device 110location data received during an emergency call (e.g. using DTMF tones),retrieve associated data from the communication data interface module314, process emergency calls received by the public safety answeringpoint 310, create a call record, and display the location and callerinformation on a monitor mapping screen. In another example, theemergency response console 312 can be configured to record and/or reportthe conversation during the emergency call on tape or digitally. Inanother example, the emergency response console 312 can be configured todisplay of the change of location of the portable computing device 110on a computer display. In yet another example, the emergency responseconsole 312 can be configured to geo-code the location of the portablecomputing device 110.

In one embodiment, the emergency response console 312 handles one ormore emergency operators. An emergency operator can utilize a telephone316 to handle a voice call, and a personal computer 318 to view andhandle the incoming and outgoing data related to the emergency call. Theemergency response console 312 can therefore be connected to a pluralityof telephones, or other voice call interface. In addition, the emergencyresponse console 312 can also be connected to a plurality of personalcomputer or terminals used by each emergency operator.

In one embodiment, the emergency response console 312 may provide a realtime continuous update of the location mapping of the portable computingdevice 110 during an emergency call. The emergency response console 312can receive location updates from the portable computing device 110 viaDTMF tones. In another example, emergency response console 312 canreceive location updates via data packets.

If the location updates are received as DTMF tones, the emergencyresponse console 312 can be configured with logic to interpret DTMFtones into location information based on a pre-established protocol usedby the portable computing device 100 and the emergency response console312. As such, the emergency response console 312 monitors the voice callfor DTMF tones signaling a change in location. The DTMF tones may bedeciphered as described below. The location change information may beutilized by the emergency response console 312 component to compute anew location latitude and longitude. Based on the difference inlocations and the time difference, the emergency response console 312component may compute a new speed and course over ground. A locationdata message may be sent to the communication data interface module 314for updating the device location information database 320.

In one example, the location interpreted by the emergency responseconsole 312 can be relayed to the personal computer 318 for display. Inaddition, the emergency response console 312 can provide zoom-in,zoom-out, and labeling functions for use with a location map displayedat an output screen. The output screen can be operably connected to thepersonal computer 318.

In another embodiment, location data for mapping purposes may beobtained from the communication data interface module 314. In oneembodiment, the location data mapping can include a symbol representingthe portable computing device 110 placed at the center of the reportedlocation. Further mapping logic can be provided at the emergencyresponse console 312 so that supplementary information regarding eachmapped portable computing device 110 can also be provided either on anoutput screen or via audio. In one example, the mapping logic resides inthe emergency response console 312, and the mapping information andsupplementary data are transmitted to the personal computer 318 forpresentation purposes only. In another embodiment, the emergencyresponse console 312 simply transmits longitude and latitude data, orlocation data in any other location data format, to the personalcomputer 318 for processing and mapping.

In yet another embodiment, the emergency response console 312 isconfigured to create an emergency call record for every voice callreceived by the emergency response console 312. The emergency callrecord includes data acquired during the emergency call. In one example,the data format can conform to the format show in Table 2.

TABLE 2 Data Data Item Data Item Description Units Type/Size Caller IDthe phone number of ASCII string (10 the wireless device characters)Receive ID the phone number of the ASCII string (10 call destinationcharacters) Receive Time complete date and time YYYYMMDD Date/Time ofcall reception HHMMSS Answer Time complete date and time YYYYMMDDDate/Time call is answered HHMMSS Disconnect Time complete date and timeYYYYMMDD Date/Time call is terminated HHMMSS

In another embodiment, the emergency response console 312 is alsoconfigured to detect an incoming voice call and extract the calleridentifier (e.g., phone number) from the call stream. Further, the timeat which the emergency call was received can be recorded and reported,along with the identification information, to a real time status panelprovided in the personal computer 318. In addition, the emergency callrecord may be initialized with the caller identification and the time ofcall receipt.

Furthermore, in one embodiment, the emergency response console 312 maysend an active call state message to the communication data interfacemodule 314 for updating the device location information database 320.The communication data interface module 314 can return either a locationdata packet or a missing data message to the emergency response console(ERC) 312. Subsequently, once the communication data interface module314 has received the indication of an active emergency call, locationdata messages can automatically be sent to the emergency responseconsole 312 corresponding to the portable computing device 110 in theemergency call. In addition, once the communication data interfacemodule 314 has received the indication of an active emergency call,supplementary data messages can automatically be sent to the emergencyresponse console 312 corresponding to the portable computing device 110.

FIG. 4 illustrates a component diagram of a portable computing deviceconfigured to determine the appropriate destination number of a publicsafety answering point. A portable computing device 400 can be providedfor communicating with a public safety answering point. The componentsand computer logic in the portable computing device 400 can beincorporated into existing portable devices such as cellular telephonesand personal data assistants.

The portable computing device 400 can include a ground positioningsystem received 406 that receives geo-positioning data from a satelliteconstellation such as satellite network 102. The information received atthe ground positioning system can be processed at process 412 andutilized for calculations of new location, public safety answering pointdetermination, etc.

Furthermore, a cellular transceiver 404 can be provided to communicatethe portable computing device 400 with a cellular network. The cellulartransceiver 404 can be configured for transmitting voice and data over acommunications network such as a cellular network. Likewise, an Internetdata transceiver 402 can be provided to transmit voice and data over acommunications network such as the Internet. In addition, an audioprocessing module 414 can be provided to receive audio (e.g., voice) forprocessing and transmission over a data channel or a voice channel.Additional input and output modules can be provided and attached to theportable computing device 400. For example, an input module 408 such asa keyboard can be coupled with the portable computing device 400. Inanother example, an output module 410, such as a screen or speakers canbe coupled with the portable computing device 400.

The portable computing device 400 can also include a public safetyanswering point database 418. In one example, the public safetyanswering point database 418 can store records of all available publicsafety answering points in the United States. In one example, the publicsafety answering point database 418 can store records of all availablepublic safety answering points in Canada or Mexico, or any other foreignjurisdiction. In another example, the public safety answering pointdatabase 418 can store records of local available public safetyanswering points within a local area such as a state or county.

FIG. 5A illustrates a system for communication between a portablecomputing device and a control public safety answering point, whereinthe portable computing device acquires a public safety answering pointemergency number from a network server. As previously discussed, theportable computing device 110 may include a public safety answeringpoint database. In another example, the portable computing device 110may not include a public safety answering point database. The portablecomputing device 110 can make a direct voice emergency call, ortelephone call to the responsible public safety answering point by firstinquiring to a call destination server 506 regarding the correct publicsafety answering point to call. In one embodiment, the portablecomputing device 110 communicates with the call destination server 502through the Internet.

The destination server 506 can include a public safety answering pointsearch module 504 and a public safety answering point database 506. Inone embodiment, a plurality of destination servers can be provided toserve portable computing devices requests. The requests by the portablecomputing devices can be randomly assigned to one of the plurality ofdestination servers. In another example, the requests by the portablecomputing device can be assigned based on load of the destinationservers.

The data provided by the portable computing device 110 to the calldestination server 502 can depend on the configuration and thepre-established protocol of operation between the public safetyanswering point and the call destination server 502. In one example, theportable computing device 110 may provide the current location of theportable computing device 110 to the call destination server 502. Thecall destination server 502 can then determine, based on the location ofthe portable computing device 110, the communication point (e.g.,cellular base station or tower) closest to the portable computing device110 and further determine the public safety answering point responsibleto serve portable computing devices connected to that communicationpoint. In another example, the portable computing device 110 can providethe communication point (e.g., tower number, cellular base station) tothe call destination server 502. The call destination server 502 canthen determine the public safety answering point responsible to servethe portable computing devices connected to that communication point andprovide to the portable computing device 110 the public safety answeringpoint number for initiating a voice call.

In another embodiment, the portable computing device 110 provides thegeographical position of the portable computing device 110, and the calldestination server 502 determines the responsible public safetyanswering point. The call destination server 502 can be configured witha list of irregular zones that correspond to each service area of apublic safety answering point. Therefore, the call destination server502 can be configured with logic to determine in which geographical zonethe portable computing device 110 is located, and further identify thepublic safety answering point serving the geographical zone in which theportable computing device is located. Once the public safety answeringpoint is identified, the contact data for the public safety answeringpoint (e.g., telephone number, voice call number) can be provided to theportable computing device 110.

In one embodiment, the portable computing device 110 requests the publicsafety answering point information subject to the location of theportable computing device 110. For example, if the portable computingdevice 110 is located in an area that is considered or configured asbeing local to the portable computing device 110, then the portablecomputing device 110 can lookup a public safety answering point databasethat includes only the local public safety answering points. On theother hand, if the portable computing device 110 is in an area that isconsidered foreign to the portable computing device 110, then theportable computing device 110 can query a call destination server 502for the appropriate public safety answering point to contact in anemergency. Thus, if the user of the portable computing device 110 livesin Los Angeles, Calif., the portable computing device 110 can include apublic safety answering point database that includes information aboutall of the public safety answering points serving Los Angeles, Calif. Ifthe user requests an emergency call, the portable computing device 110can simply query a public safety answering point database stored in theportable computing device 110, and quickly dial the responsible publicsafety answering point number. If the same user travels outside of LosAngeles, Calif., the portable computing device 110 can query the calldestination server 502 via the Internet 308 regarding the responsiblepublic safety answering point as the portable computing device 110travels and changes location.

In one example, the geographical region considered local to the portablecomputing device 110 can be a city, county, state, province or country.In another embodiment, the region can be defined by other parameters,such as service areas, etc. In addition, the geographical regionconsidered foreign to the portable computing device 110 can also be acity, county, state, province or country.

The portable computing device 110 can be configured to query the calldestination server 502 every time an emergency call is to be made. Inone configuration, the call destination server 502 can be used toprovide the telephone number, or contact information, of the publicsafety answering point to the portable computing device 110. In anotherconfiguration, the call destination server 502 queried for the publicsafety answering point contact information in order to confirm that thepublic safety answering point calculated by the portable computingdevice 110 was correct. In another configuration, the portable computingdevice 110 can continuously communicate with a call destination serveras the portable computing device 110 travels, thereby updating thecontact list of local public safety answering points. In thisconfiguration, the portable computing device can be constantly updatedwith a current list of local public safety answering points and quicklylook up the appropriate public safety answering points if the userinitiates an emergency call. In yet another configuration, portablecomputing device 110 can store the contact information of all of thepublic safety answering points available (e.g., all of the public safetyanswering points in a country).

FIG. 5B illustrates a system for communication between a portablecomputing device and a public safety answering point, wherein one ormore public safety answering points communicate with a centralizedcommunication data interface module. Thus, in one embodiment, thecommunication data interface module is not present in each public safetyanswering point. Rather, the communication data interface module 510 canbe a centralized gateway that receives data from the portable computingdevice 110, and communicates with multiple public safety answeringpoints

The data received from the portable computing device 110 can beautomatically transmitted to the emergency response console 312 if avoice call is active between portable computing device 110 and emergencyresponse console 312. On the other hand, the data received from theportable computing device 110 can be automatically transmitted to theemergency response console 514 if a voice call is active betweenportable computing device 110 and emergency response console 514.

In addition, emergency response console 514 and emergency responseconsole 310 can communicate with the communication data interface module510 to query position data of a portable computing device, orsupplementary data regarding a user in an emergency call. Thecommunication data interface module can then provide location data orother data by querying the device location information database 512.

PSAP Determination Utilizing Base Station Identifiers

FIG. 6 illustrates cellular base stations pre-assigned to specificpublic safety answering points. In one embodiment, each of the areasillustrated is proscribed by the service area of cellular base stationsthat, in turn, are served by public safety answering points. Otherpermutations and methods of configuring the areas associated with groupsof cellular base stations can also be utilized.

Each of the public safety answering points serves one or more cellularbase stations. For example, public safety answering point 628 servesemergency calls incoming from cellular base station 614. Thus, aportable computing device 110 traveling in area 602 is communicated withcellular base station 614. As discussed above, the portable computingdevice 110 determines that public safety answering point 628 isresponsible to handle an emergency call from the portable computingdevice 110, and thus the portable computing device 110 would directlydial to the public safety answering point 628.

As the portable computing device 110 travels through areas 604, 606,608, 610 and 612, the communicating cellular base station is determined.Depending on the cellular base station that the portable computingdevice 110 communicates with, the portable computing device 110 can beconfigured to make the appropriate emergency call to the public safetyanswering point responsible for the call. Therefore, public safetyanswering point 626 is responsible for emergency calls that areconnected through cellular base stations 618 and 616. Public safetyanswering point 624 is responsible for emergency calls that areconnected through cellular base station 630. In addition, public safetyanswering point 626 is responsible for emergency calls that areconnected through cellular base stations 632, 622 and 620. Even whenpublic safety answering point 626 may not be physically located closestto cellular base stations 632, 622 and 620, or in area 612, publicsafety answering point 626 can be assigned to be responsible forcellular base stations 632, 622 and 620.

FIG. 7 illustrates a table 700 of cellular base station identifiers andcorresponding public safety answering point identifiers. The table 700can include a tower column 702 that lists cellular base stationidentifiers. As previously mentioned, if another type of communicationsnetwork is utilized instead of a cellular network, other communicationpoints maybe utilized instead of cellular base stations.

Each of the cellular base station identifiers listed under tower column702 has a corresponding public safety answering point that isresponsible for handling emergency calls from portable computing devicesthat are connected to the cellular network through a cellular basestation. For example, cellular base station 614 has a correspondingresponsible public safety answering point number one. The public safetyanswering point identifier can be provided in a public safety answeringpoint identifier column 704 of the table 700. The public safetyanswering point identifier for the public safety answering pointresponsible for calls associate with cellular base station 614 is publicsafety answering point one. Therefore, an emergency call from a portablecomputing device that communicates with the cellular network throughcellular base station 614 should be handled by public safety answeringpoint one. Thus, once the portable computing device establishes thatcellular base station 614 is the cellular base station with which theportable computing device is communicating, the portable computingdevice can execute a look-up operation in table 700. The look-upoperation in table 700 will yield that public safety answering point oneis responsible for handling the calls being routed thought cellular basestation 614. In addition, a direct telephone number for public safetyanswering point one can be identified (e.g., 310-555-2636). The portablecomputing device can the make a direct dialed emergency call to publicsafety answering point one.

In another embodiment, where the look-up table resides at a server, suchas call destination server 502, the lookup of the appropriate publicsafety answering point can be performed at the server. The telephonenumber for the public safety answering point responsible to handle thecall can be provided to the portable computing device so that theportable computing device can make the emergency call directly to theresponsible public safety answering point.

The table 700 can be part of a relational database, a data file, etc. Inone embodiment, the table 700 resides in a database local to theportable computing device 110, such as public safety answering pointdatabase 418. In another embodiment, the table 700 resides in a databaseremote from the portable computing device 110 at a server, such as thepublic safety answering point database 506.

FIG. 8 illustrates a data flow diagram for a process 800 of determiningthe appropriate public safety answering point in an emergency call. Atprocess block 802, an emergency call input is received at the portablecomputing device 110. The emergency call input can be for example thedialing of 911 at the portable computing device 110. In anotherembodiment, the emergency call input can be the input of an emergencybutton provided at the portable computing device 110. Process 800 thencontinues to process block 804.

At process block 804, the cellular base station with which the portablecomputing device 110 is determined. In another example, a communicationpoint with which the portable computing device 110 can also bedetermined. As such, the portable computing device 110 can communicatethrough communications such as WiFi nodes in HotSpots, Bluetoothconnection points, wireless USB, etc. Process 800 then continues toprocess block 806.

At process block 806, the public safety answering point voice callnumber is determined. The public safety answering point voice callnumber can be determined by executing a look-up of the public safetyanswering point database (e.g., lookup table) and identifying thecontact number of the public safety answering point that servesemergency calls corresponding to the cellular base station (orcommunication point) being utilized by the portable computing device110. The contact number can be any number that permits a voice callconnection to be established. The contact number can be, for example, atelephone number. In another example, the contact number can be anInternet address. In another example, the contact number can be acomputer network address. Process 800 then continues to process block808. At process block 808, the public safety answering point contactnumber is dialed.

PSAP Determination Utilizing Zone Identifiers

FIG. 9 illustrates geographical area assigned to specific public safetyanswering points. As the portable computing device 110 travels throughmultiple geographical areas, the appropriate public safety answeringpoint will vary. In one embodiment, the area served by each publicsafety answering points is defined by a geographical irregular boundary.In one example, the geographical irregular boundary can be stored in theportable computing device 110 along with a correlation between theirregular boundary and the public safety answering point identifier. Inanother example, the geographical irregular boundary can be stored at aserver along with a correlation of the geographical irregular boundaryand the public safety answering point.

Therefore, depending on the location of the portable computing device110, the portable computing device 110 can be configured to make theappropriate emergency call to the public safety answering pointresponsible for the call. The portable computing device 110 can utilizethe position data obtained from the positioning device included therein(e.g., ground positioning system device). Utilizing the positioninformation, the portable computing device 110 can determine thegeographical zone in which the portable computing device 110 is located.This determination can be performed by methods described below.Furthermore, the local public safety answering point can be searched inthe public safety answering point database 418 or at the public safetyanswering point database 506 discussed above, in order to identify thepublic safety answering point that corresponds to the geographical zonein which the portable computing device is located. The portablecomputing device 110 may then use the public safety answering pointcontact information retrieved from the public safety answering pointdatabase to initiate an emergency call.

For example, if the portable computing device 110 is located ingeographical zone 926, the portable computing device can determine thatthe portable computing device's 110 position is within the boundaries ofgeographical zone 926. Then, by performing a search in the public safetyanswering point database, public safety answering point 908 can beidentified as the responsible public safety answering point forgeographical zone 926. Again, the contact information for public safetyanswering point 908 can then be identified and the portable computingdevice initiates an emergency voice call to the public safety answeringpoint 908.

FIG. 10A illustrates a pixilated image 1000 representing a geographicalzone assigned to the public safety answering point. Public safetyanswering points can be defined by geofences that delineate the servicearea of each public safety answering point. In one embodiment, theportable computing device 110 can store a plurality of geographicalzones corresponding to the zones served by each public safety answeringpoint. The geographical zones can be stored as a collection of locationpoints, as pixilated image, etc. In another embodiment, a remote serverstores the plurality of geographical zones corresponding to eachgeographical zone served by each public safety answering point.

The pixilated image 1000 illustrates an image that can be stored as partof representing the zone of service of a public safety answering point.The zones of service can be configured in a client computer with agraphical user interface. Deflection points can represent the boundariesof the geographical zone.

In one embodiment, after all the deflection points for a given zone areuploaded to a portable computing device 110, or to a server, thepixilated image 1000 is saved in a memory module of the portablecomputing device 110, such as public safety answering point database418. The pixilated image 1000 can be stored as a pixel map. Thepixilated image 1000 is created by first drawing a square around theentire area of the zone. The square can be divided into an 80/80-pixelmap, or any other combination. Each pixel 1002 is a geographical square,meaning that each pixel 1002 can represent a geographical squared zoneof a pre-established area. The pixels can be used to draw the outlineshape 1112.

A position fix 1008 in the pixilated image 1000 is mapped from thecurrent geographical location of the portable computing device 110. Atest can be performed to for each public safety answering point zone foreach position fix 1008 in order to determine if the location of theportable computing device 110 is in pixilated image 1000 or outside ofthe pixilated image 1000. If the current position fix 1008 falls insidethe pixilated image 1000, a more extensive test is completed by plottingthe position fix 1008 inside the pixilated image 1000 and drawing fourlines in four directions (north, south, east and west) from the positionfix 1008 to the borders of the delineated zone 1010. Subsequently, thenumber of zone boundary crossings 1004 is counted for each of the fourlines 1022, 1024, 1026, and 1028.

Multiple boundary crossing tests are performed for accuracy. If any ofthe four lines 1022, 1024, 1026, and 1028 cross an odd number of zoneboundaries 1112, the position fix 1008 is considered inside the zone1010. If any of the four lines 1022, 1024, 1026, and 1028 crosses aneven number of zone boundaries, the position fix 1008 is consideredoutside the zone 515. If at least three out of the four boundarycrossing tests agree, the zone boundary crossings 1004 are used todetermine if the position fix 1008 is inside or outside the zone 1010.If three out of the four boundary tests do not agree, the position fix1008 is considered outside the zone 1010.

In one embodiment, the portable computing device 110 can be configuredwith event logic that determines that a preconfigured event occurredwhen the portable computing device 110 enters or leaves a definedgeographical zone. For example, upon entering a zone, the portablecomputing device 110 may be configured to indicate the name of the newzone by either displaying on an integrated screen or by emitting a soundor prerecording indicating that a new public safety answering point isnow in service. In another example, another event may occur when theportable computing device 110 leaves a zone. For example, the portablecomputing device 110 can be configured to compute whether the enteredzone is in a new time zone, and if so, indicate the new time zone andthe current time.

In another embodiment, an irregular zone or geographical zone may bedefined by one or more waypoints. Waypoints are defined by a locationpoint and a radius, therefore forming a circular region. Thegeographical zones corresponding to service area of each public safetyanswering point can be defined using one or more waypoints.

FIG. 10B illustrates a pixilated image 1030 representing a geographicalzone assigned to the public safety answering point. The pixilated image1030 may be configured to include active or “on” pixels, and inactive or“off” pixels. In one embodiment, a pixel 1036 can be darker in colorthan a pixel 1032. In another embodiment, pixel 1036 simply has anassociated flag indicating that pixel 1036 has an active state. Inaddition, pixel 1032 can have an associated flag indicating that pixel1032 has an inactive state.

The pixilated image 1030 can be built such that active pixels correspondto the geographical area being covered, such as the public safetyanswering point service area 1034. The inactive pixels can be utilizedso that the area represented by the inactive pixels is outside theboundaries of the public safety answering point service area 1034. Eachpixel can correspond to a square geographical area. Thus, when theportable computing device 110 receives positioning data, the portablecomputing device 110 can quickly calculate the pixel corresponding tothe position of the portable computing device. Subsequently, theportable computing device 110 can also calculate whether the pixelcorresponding to the position of the portable computing device 110 isactive or inactive, thereby determining whether the portable computingdevice 110 is inside or outside the public safety answering pointservice area 1034.

FIG. 11 illustrates a data flow diagram for a process 1100 ofdetermining, based on pre-configured geographical areas, the appropriatepublic safety answering point in an emergency call. At process block1102, an emergency call input is received at the portable computingdevice 110. In one example, the emergency call input is the user dialinga 911 number. Process 1100 then continues to process block 1104.

At process block 1104, the current location is determined. The locationof the portable computing device 110 is determined by receivingpositioning data from a positioning device. The geo-location of theportable computing device 110 can also be determined. Process 1100 thencontinues to process block 1106.

At process block 1106, the public safety answering point coverage areacorresponding to the current location is determined. As previouslydescribed, the area of public safety answering point service in whichthe portable computing device 110 is located is determined. The area ofpublic safety answering point service is determined utilizing thelocation of the portable computing device 110 and determining the publicsafety answering point area in which the portable computing device 110is located. Process 1100 then continues to process block 1108.

At process block 1108, the public safety answering point voice callnumber is determined. The public safety answering point voice callnumber can be determined by executing a look-up of the public safetyanswering point database (e.g., lookup table) and identifying thetelephone number or contact number corresponding to the public safetyanswering point identified as servicing the public safety answeringpoint area in which the portable computing device is located. Process1100 then continues to process block 1110. At process block 1110, thepublic safety answering point voice call number is dialed directly tothe public safety answering point.

User Profile Configuration

FIG. 12 illustrates a screenshot of a user interface for dialing to apublic safety answering point. A user interface 1200 can be providedthrough the portable computing device 110 (e.g., screen or display). Amenu structure can be provided as part of allowable operations by theuser. The user interface may provide the means to initiate a voice callto the public safety answering point. In one embodiment, an emergencybutton 1202 is provided to make a one-touch call. The emergency button1202 can be configured with a speed-dial operation in order to call a911 number. Initiation of the emergency call may include dialing theappropriate phone number and signaling the operations application toperform the voice call sequence. As previously discussed, the voice callsequence may comprise identifying the appropriate public safetyanswering point to call. Thus, upon identifying the correct publicsafety answering point to contact, the portable computing device 110 candisplay the telephone number 1204 of the public safety answering pointfor dialing. In case the user is disconnected from the emergency call,the user can quickly redial the previously called public safetyanswering point number using a keypad 1206. Alternatively, the user maysimply press the emergency button 1202 again.

In anther embodiment, the first time the use requests an emergency call,the user can do so by entering a 9-1-1 combination on the keypad 1206.In yet another embodiment, the user may dial any emergency number thatcorresponds to emergency services in the specific jurisdiction (e.g., aEuropean country).

FIG. 13 illustrates a screenshot of a user interface for enteringcommunication data. A user interface 1300 can be provided through theportable computing device 110 (e.g., screen or display). A menustructure can be provided as part of allowable operations by the user.As part of connectivity configuration, a destination address field 1302and a destination port field 1304 can be provided for a user toconfigure the data connection for transmitting information data packetsto the public safety answering point or call center.

In one embodiment, the destination address defaulted to thecommunication data interface module 314 of the local public safetyanswering point based on the user's home address. In another embodiment,the destination address the communication data interface module 314 isdynamically allocated as the portable computing device 110 connects to adata network, such as the Internet. For example, the destination addresscan be provided by a server in response to the portable computing device110 sending location data. Based on the location of the portablecomputing device 110, the destination address can be populated. Inanother embodiment, the destination address can be provided byrequesting the correct address from a domain name server.

Furthermore, if the communication data interface module 314 is acentralized server, the address can be a public domain address thatresolved at a process, such as a domain name service, in thecommunication data interface module 314.

FIG. 14 illustrates a screenshot of a user interface 1400 forcustomizing user information to be reported to the public safetyanswering point. A user interface 1400 can be provided through theportable computing device 110 (e.g., screen or display). A menustructure can be provided as part of allowable operations by the user.The user interface 1400 may provide means to configure a personalprofile of the user of the portable computing device 110. In oneexample, the first name and the last name can be entered through userinterface 1400. A first name field 1402 and a last name field 1404 canbe provided. In another example, a medical condition field 1406, and asecond medical condition field 1408 can further be provided. The medicalcondition fields permit a user to enter existing medical conditions thatan emergency operator should know while handling the call. For example,the emergency operator may dispatch necessary personnel to assist theuser in case of an emergency. In another embodiment, medical conditioncodes may be established.

In yet another embodiment, a textbox field 1410 can be provided to enterany information regarding the user that might be useful or necessary forthe operator to assist in an emergency. In another embodiment, theinformation entered can be immediate family telephone numbers, personalidentifiers, blood type, DNA information, etc. In another embodiment,codes utilized as medical condition can be the Health Insurance andPortability Accountability Act (HIPAA) codes. Once the user enters theinformation

When the user depresses an action button (e.g., 911) in the portablecomputing device 110, the portable computing device 110 may extract theuser profile and transmit the data over a data channel to thecommunication data interface module 314. The data can be provided as“supplementary” to the identifier of the portable computing device 110(e.g., the telephone number). A supplementary data packet may includeall of the information from the personal profile stored in the portablecomputing device 110.

Location Transmission and Updating

FIG. 15 illustrates a flow diagram for a process 1500 of performing anemergency call to a public safety answering point. At process block1502, the position is received from the positioning device. The process1500 then continues to process block 1504. At process block 1504,determine public safety answering point contact information. The publicsafety answering point contact information can be determined utilizingany one of the methods discussed above, or any other methods know. Inone example, the public safety answering point is determined based onthe cellular base station in communication with the portable computingdevice 110. In another example, the public safety answering point isdetermined based on the zone of service of the public safety answeringpoint. The process 1500 then continues to process block 1506.

At process block 1506, the current position is transmitted to thecommunication data interface module. The process 1500 then continues toprocess block 1508.

At process block 1508, the emergency voice call is made to theappropriate public safety answering point. The public safety answeringpoint number utilized to make the emergency voice call. The process 1500then continues to process block 1510.

At process block 1510, the position data are sent during the voice call.The position data can be sent utilizing DTMF tones. One or more DTMFtones can be sent in order to transmit latitude or longitude change ordeltas of the portable computing device 110. In one embodiment, the DTMFtones are transmitted over the voice network. In another embodiment, theDTMF tones are transmitted over a data network, such as the Internet.Furthermore, the position data can be transmitted using a data link. Theprocess 1500 then continues to process block 1512.

At process block 1512, the emergency voice call is terminated. Once theuser has received the necessary information or emergency assistance, theuser may terminate the emergency call. The process 1500 then continuesto process block 1514. At process block 1514, the current position ofthe portable computing device 110 is sent to the communication datainterface module in order to update the last position of the portablecomputing device 110 immediately after termination of the emergencyvoice call.

FIG. 16 illustrates a flow diagram for a process of updating locationdata. At process block 1602, the position is received from thepositioning device. As mentioned previously, a position device utilizedby the portable computing device 110 that provides coordinates or otherpositioning information can be utilized. For example, a groundpositioning system device can be utilized. In another example, a devicethat receives position based any other system of triangulation,guidance, or navigation is utilized. The process 1600 then continues toprocess block 1604.

At process block 1604, it is determined whether a predetermined amountof time has elapsed. A predetermined amount of time can be, for example,be an amount of time such as ten seconds. In one embodiment, the usercan configure the amount of time in the portable computing device 110.In another embodiment, the manufacturer of the portable computing device110 configures the portable computing device 110 with a “hard-coded”amount of time. In yet another embodiment, the predetermined amount oftime can be dynamically updated when a message is received from anoperator at a public safety answering point. The predetermined amount oftime can be made shorter if the frequency of reporting should beincreased. The predetermined amount of time can be made longer if thefrequency is to be decreased. In one example, the predetermined amountof time can be configured to be zero. If a predetermined amount of timehas elapsed, then the process 1600 then continues to process block 1608.If a predetermined amount of time has not elapsed, the process 1600 thencontinues to process block 1606.

At process block 1606, it is determined whether a predetermined distancehas been traveled by the portable computing device 110. Thepredetermined distance of travel can be configured such that onlysignificant changes of location are reported, such as for example,one-hundred meters. In one embodiment, the user can configure thepredetermined distance of travel in the portable computing device 110.In another embodiment, the manufacturer of the portable computing device110 configures the portable computing device 110 with a “hard-coded”predetermined distance of travel. In yet another embodiment, thepredetermined distance of travel can be dynamically updated when amessage is received from an operator at a public safety answering point.In one example, the predetermined distance of travel can be configuredto be zero. If a predetermined distance has been traveled by theportable computing device 110, then the process 1600 then continues toprocess block 1608. If a predetermined distance has not been traveled bythe portable computing device 110, then process 1600 then continues toprocess block 1602.

At process block 1608, longitude position data is generated. Forexample, DTMF tones indicative of a longitude delta can be generated.The DTMF tones are generated based on a protocol indicated below. DTMFtones are universally used in portable computing device such as cellularphones, personal data assistants (PDAs), smart-phones, etc. Therefore,using DTMF tones to convey information of location change is easilyused. In addition, DTMF tones can be submitted from the portablecomputing device 110 utilizing the same voice link that is beingutilized for the emergency voice call. It is not necessary to utilize asecondary voice channel or data channel. In another embodiment, the DTMFtones can be sent through a separate voice channel. In yet anotherembodiment, the DTMF tones can be sent though a data channel. In anotherembodiment, DTMF tones can be transmitted to the public safety answeringpoint via the same data channel that the voice emergency call is beingtransmitted (via a voice-over-IP methodology).

In another example, longitude position data can be incorporated in datapackets being transmitted over a communications network. Furthermore,additional data such as altitude, temperature, etc., can also begenerated and transmitted in the same or additional data packets.

The process 1600 then continues to process block 1610. At process block1610, latitude position data is generated. For example, DTMF tonesindicative of a latitude delta are generated. The DTMF tones can begenerated utilizing the methodology described below, or any othermethodology. The change of latitude of the portable computing device 110can be transmitted utilizing DTMF tones.

Latitude position data can also be incorporated in data packets beingtransmitted over the network. Furthermore, additional data such asaltitude, temperature, etc., can also be generated and transmitted inthe same or additional data packets.

FIG. 17 illustrates a flow diagram for a process 1700 of receiving anemergency call at a public safety answering point. At process block1702, an emergency incoming call is received by the public safetyanswering point. The call can be received at the emergency responseconsole. Process 1700 then continues to process block 1704.

At process block 1704, the caller identifier is captured. In oneembodiment, the caller identifier comprises the automatic numberidentification (ANI). In another embodiment, the caller identifiercomprises an Internet address. Process 1700 then continues to processblock 1706. At process block 1706, the emergency call is answered. Inone example, the emergency operator has access to a user interface ofthe emergency response console, and utilizes the emergency responseconsole to handle the emergency call. In another embodiment, theemergency response console can route the call to one of the publicsafety answering point operators in for call handling. In yet anotherembodiment, a first emergency operator utilizes the emergency responseconsole to route the call to another emergency operator.

Upon receipt of the call by the emergency response console, theemergency response console can transmit a message to the communicationdata interface module indicating the network address of the emergencyresponse console during the emergency call. The communication datainterface module can then utilize the provided address to communicatewith the emergency response console. Process 1700 then continues toprocess block 1708.

At process block 1708, the communications data interface module isqueried for current position of the portable computing device. In oneembodiment, the emergency response console does not receive DTMF tonesunless the portable computing device 110 changes position. Therefore,the location position can be provided to the communication datainterface at the beginning of the call. The communication data interfacecan then record the initial position of the portable computing device110 at the device location information database. Upon request by theemergency response console, the communication data interface module canquery the device location information database in order to provide thelast known location of the portable computing device 110. Process 1700then continues to process block 1710.

At process block 1710, the position deltas are received during theemergency voice call. In one embodiment, the position deltas arereceived in the form of DTMF tomes at the emergency response center. Inanother embodiment, position deltas or new positions are received at thecommunication data interface module, which in turn, records that newposition at the device location information database. If an emergencycall is active between the portable computing device and the emergencyresponse console, the communication data interface can automaticallyforward the position data to the emergency response console. Moreover,the communication data interface can automatically forward the positiondata to another emergency service terminal such as a computer in apatrol vehicle, a fire station operations center, etc. In addition, thedevice location information can be stored in the form of positiondeltas, or as a recalculated position. For example, each device can havea history of position deltas. Every time the device location informationdatabase is queried for the position of a portable computing device, ahistory of deltas is provided which not only provides the currentlocation, but also the path of the portable computing device during theemergency call. In another example, only the recalculated position isstored in the device location information database is utilized. Process1700 then continues to process block 1712.

At process block 1712, the new position of the portable computing deviceis calculated. In one embodiment, after the emergency response consolehas received the position deltas, or changes in position from theportable computing device 110, the emergency response console can thencalculate the new position of the portable computing device based on thedeltas. Further, map the new position of the portable computing deviceon the terminal of the emergency operator. In another embodiment, theemergency response console sends the position deltas to thecommunication data interface module for calculation of the new position.After the new position is recalculated, the communication data interfacemodule transmits the new position to the emergency response console.Process 1700 then continues to process block 1714.

At process block 1714, the position update is transmitted to thecommunications data interface module. If the emergency response consolerecalculates the new position, then the emergency response consoletransmits the new position to the communications data interface moduleso that the new position can be recorded at the device locationinformation database. Process 1700 then continues to process block 1716.

FIGS. 18A-18C illustrate data packet and voice transmissions during anemergency call at a public safety answering point. In one embodiment,two channels of communication can be employed. A general packet radioservice (GPRS) data link 1802 and a voice link 1810. Any datacommunication configuration of transmitting data can be utilized, suchas IP protocol, UDP protocol, SMS protocol, HTTP, TCP/IP, or othercommon data carriers. FIG. 18A illustrates exemplary data packets thatcan be sent by the portable computing device 110 over the general packetradio service data link 1802 as soon as a call is initiated. In oneembodiment, a location data packet 1804 can be transmitted. The locationdata packet 1804 can include complete position information such aslatitude and longitude. In addition, if the location data packet 1804being transmitted is sent to update the location data packet 1804, thelocation data packet 1804 can include the position changes in latitudeand longitude. In another example, a supplementary data packet 1806 canbe transmitted. The supplementary data packet 1806 can include personalprofile data for the user of the portable computing device 110.

FIG. 18B illustrates the voice link of communication between theportable computing device 110 and the public safety answering point.Once the portable computing device 110 establishes a voice link 1810 tothe public safety answering point, the user can convey his or heremergency needs. In one embodiment, during the conversation, informationmay be sent over the voice link 1810. In one embodiment, during theconversation, information may be sent over the data link. Theinformation sent may include any data that the portable computing device110 wants to transmit to the emergency response console, and that theemergency response console knows how to interpret. In one example, theinformation sent is a DTMF latitude longitude tone package. The DTMFlatitude longitude tone package may include a latitude tone 1812, and alongitude tone 1814. In a further embodiment, the DTMF tones arecompressed so as to cause minimal interruption of the emergency call. Inanother embodiment, the DTMF tones are included in data packetstransmitted over a data network.

FIG. 18C illustrates further data packets being transmitted over a datacommunications network at the end of the emergency call. In oneembodiment, a location data packet 1804 can be further submitted fromthe portable computing device 110 to the public safety answering pointas soon as the emergency call is terminated. In one example, thelocation data packet can be received at the communications datainterface module.

FIG. 19 illustrates illustrate an exemplary mapping of DTMF tones toranges of movement in latitude or longitude. A communication protocolcan be established for transmitting DTMF tones from a portable computingdevice to the public safety answering point or call center, in order toreport a location update. The DTMF tones can be utilized, for example,using a telephone network. In another example, the DTMF tones can betransmitted through a data network. In a standard environment, there aresixteen standard DTMF tones. In an exemplary embodiment, each of thesixteen DTMF tones (i.e., 0-9, #, *, A, B, C, D) can be mapped todifferent ranges of movement of the portable computing device. Othertones can also be established and customized so as to represent furtherinformation (e.g., altitude, speed, etc.).

In one embodiment, a tone packet may consist of two tones. In addition,tone packets may be transmitted only if some conditions occur. In oneexample, tone packets may be transmitted only if the latitude orlongitude change is greater than twenty-five meters. In another example,tone packets may be transmitted only if the mobile device hastransitioned to stop. In yet another example, tone packets may betransmitted at least every ten seconds.

Each tone packet may include two tones. Each of the tones in the tonepacket may be any one of tones 1902 to 1932. Each tone can be assigned adegree of change as part of a pre-established protocol. In one example,tone 1902, “0”, would represent a zero degree change. In anotherexample, tone 1904, “1”, represents a 0.00045-degree change, orapproximately fifty meters.

In one embodiment, the new latitude is calculated according to thefollowing formula: new latitude=initial latitude+latitude changecorresponding to tone received.

In another embodiment, the new longitude is calculated according to thefollowing formula: new longitude=initial longitude+(longitude changecorresponding to tone received/cos (initial longitude)). It should beunderstood, that other formulas and ranges assigned to each DTMF tonecould be utilized.

Therefore, the DTMF tones are mapped to a specific range of movementthat is associated to each of the particular DTMF tones. However, in oneembodiment, the specific range or location information being mapped toeach tone is independent of the frequency or digit representation ofeach tone. In another embodiment, only eight DTMF tones are utilized. Inyet another embodiment, less than sixteen DTMF tones are utilized.

Although certain illustrative embodiments and methods have beendisclosed herein, it will be apparent from the foregoing disclosure tothose skilled in the art that variations and modifications of suchembodiments and methods may be made without departing from the truespirit and scope of the art disclosed. Many other examples of the artdisclosed exist, each differing from others in matters of detail only.For instance, various combinations of communication networks may beutilized. In addition, an emergency voice call, as well as any voicecommunications, can be performed over a packet switched network, or anydata network in general (e.g. utilizing voice-over-IP technology).Accordingly, it is intended that the art disclosed may be limited onlyto the extent required by the appended claims and the rules andprinciples of applicable law.

1. A method of making an emergency voice call from a portable computingdevice, comprising: determining with a processor of the portablecomputing device a location area identifier that represents ageographical area in which the portable computing device is located,determining with the processor a coverage area identifier that matchesthe location area identifier, wherein the coverage area identifierrepresents an emergency service area being serviced by a public safetyanswering point; identifying with the processor a voice call destinationnumber associated with the coverage area identifier; and utilizing witha dialing module of the portable computing device the voice calldestination number in order to establish communication with the publicsafety answering point.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein location areaidentifier is a pixilated image.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein thegeographical area is an irregular area.
 4. The method of claim 1,wherein the emergency service area is an irregular area.
 5. The methodof claim 1, wherein the voice call destination number is a telephonenumber of the public safety answering point.
 6. The method of claim 1,wherein the voice call destination number is an Internet protocoladdress.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the coverage area identifierand the location area identifier are correlated in a lookup table. 8.The method of claim 7, wherein the lookup table resides in the portablecomputing device.
 9. The method of claim 7, wherein the lookup tableresides in a remote server.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein thecoverage area identifier and the voice call destination number arecorrelated in a lookup table.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein thelookup table resides in the portable computing device.
 12. The method ofclaim 10, wherein the lookup table resides in a remote server.
 13. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising receiving emergency call input toinitiate the emergency voice call from a user.
 14. The method of claim1, further comprising automatically initiating the emergency voice callif a preconfigured event occurs.
 15. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising transmitting personal data associated with a user of theportable computing device.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein thepersonal data includes a medical condition, contact information of arelative, or blood type of the user.
 17. The method of claim 1, whereinthe emergency voice call is transmitted to the public safety answeringpoint through a cellular network.
 18. The method of claim 1, wherein theemergency voice call is transmitted to the public safety answering pointthrough a public switched network.
 19. The method of claim 1, whereinthe emergency voice call is transmitted to the public safety answeringpoint through an Internet protocol network.
 20. The method of claim 1,further comprising transmitting location data to a communication datainterface module at the public safety answering point.
 21. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the location data is transmitted through a data link.22. The method of claim 1, wherein the location data is transmittedthrough a voice link.
 23. The method of claim 1, wherein the portablecomputing device is a personal data assistant, a cellular telephone, asmart phone, or a laptop computer.
 24. A method of making a voice callfrom a portable computing device, comprising: determining with aprocessor of the portable computing device a location area identifierthat represents a geographical area in which the portable computingdevice is located; determining with the processer a coverage areaidentifier that matches the location area identifier, wherein thecoverage area identifier represents a service area being serviced by acall center; identifying with the processer a voice call destinationnumber associated with the coverage area identifier; and utilizing witha dialing module of the portable computing device the voice calldestination number in order to establish communication with the callcenter.
 25. The method of claim 24, wherein the call center is a publicsafety answering point.
 26. The method of claim 24, wherein locationarea identifier is a pixilated image.
 27. The method of claim 24,wherein the geographical area is an irregular area.
 28. The method ofclaim 24, wherein the emergency service area is an irregular area. 29.The method of claim 24, wherein the voice call destination number is atelephone number of the call center.
 30. The method of claim 24, whereinthe voice call destination number is an Internet protocol address.